The outskirts of Marrakech – One does not need to move away from the Moroccan city of Marrakesh to find himself in the midst of a breeze and flowing water that stems from the tops of the great atlas.
In these suburbs, the summer heat declines a little compared to the Moroccan tourism capital, and nature is full of its beauty, running and luxurious trees, pure waterfalls, green plateaux, artificial lakes, and simple villages that tempt their knife.
These areas are organized like a decade of mountain oases, and it is an ideal haven for fleeing summer glow. It is divided into four main axes that lead you to the Orika, Emelil, Emzamiz or Tagmam.
On this tour, Al -Jazeera Net accompanies the guide, Mohamed Imran, to discover the details of each region, from its nature and architecture, to its food and people, on a short journey, a long distance, with the love of travel.
“You choose every day a visit to an area that blesses its coldness, then returns to Marrakesh in the evening, or stayed for several nights in the arms of nature, then continues your journey to other areas through secondary mountainous routes that are vibrant and beautiful.”
The beauty of anicom
The Urika region (35 km south of Marrakech) is the most popular place in the Al -Haouz region for its amazing beauty, and the flow of water in its valley throughout the year, which is intended by visitors from all sides to enjoy unforgettable serenity moments.
Along the way to the foot of the mountain, the running water view in the valley seduces you in the center of pomegranate orchards.
Some prefer to sit in a simple café in the table flowing in small tourist gatherings such as Aghbalu Walmas, because this is enough to restore psychological balance and feel comfortable. Children find the fun swimming in the ponds, and adults are the pleasure of looking at trees and mountain formations.
Others are heading towards the “Siti Fateh” area, the highest tourist gathering, with the aim of completing the march to the waterfalls flowing in an atmosphere of fun and challenge, passing through Berber circles from which the smell of fresh bread stems, and the light atlas tone is heard.
Emalel shades
Emelle (55 km southeast of Marrakech) does not differ from Urika in terms of fame and beauty, but it constitutes the starting point of adventure and reaching Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa (4167 meters).
Before reaching the quiet village in the middle of nature, the visitor passes through the “Al -Rahi” area under Moulay Ibrahim, the village, famous for the corner of the righteous guardian of its name. There you can drink tea on the side of the valley and take a tour of horse or beauty.
Then it is possible to climb towards Emelil, which looks like slow flying, the higher the air, the more cold, and the increased in splendor.
Dirt passages take you towards hidden waterfalls, and towards walnut trees that shade the paths.
Stone houses are scattered, and local products of honey, wild herbs and soft cherry fruits are displayed. The visitor walks in silence as if in the presence of something deeper than tourism, because the illusion of a moment of purity is not repeated.
Fun
A close distance from Emelle, the Warghan region is between the green slopes, and it is penetrated by tables of water stems from the high sources.
The visitor finds a small artificial lake that mediates the scene, and around it the cafes of the tagine are spreading to the roar of the water.
The paths pass by the fields and valleys, and the tourist invites to contemplate the details of nature without rush. The village itself is simple, but it hides a lot of calm, as it can be lying under a tree, while monitoring the stars at night in a quiet asylum, it is an unforgettable story.
As in Urika and Melilla, you can progress a little to enjoy the Amadine waterfalls, where the mountain looks more tender, the breeze is more friendly, and everything suggests that simplicity does not need to be decorated.
Reassure in Tgdin
In a slightly inclined axis to the south in the direction of Ouarzazate, the journey leads you to the Tgdin region (55 southeast of Marrakech), famous for its pure mineral water springs.
It is an authentic agricultural village, hiding between its clay homes the features of the recent past, but the air here is more intense, and saturated with the smell of mountain herbs, and the road passes along the agricultural stands that look like a green mosaic.
Children find their pleasure in swimming in a pool held on the course of Wadi Al -Zat, while adults find comfort and reassurance everywhere.
The visitor can complete the march towards the Yagur plateau, where historical inscriptions and green spaces are on the goal of looking, in a joyful atmosphere that decreases his counterpart, and where the bustle is absent, and the deep meaning of the leave is attended.
Amzmiz adventure
On the way to Amzmiz (55 southwest of Marrakech), you find a extended Lala Lala Tikkost like a mirror in the middle of the big atlas, reflecting small boats and its faces enjoying calm.
The visitor can gently exercise his activities, such as rowing boats, hiking on the banks, or a tea session on the edge of the water, and it is also possible to try the paragliding in the nearby Agergur area in a picturesque nature.
Some prefer to complete the march to the outskirts of Amzmiz, villages that have maintained their memory, with their narrow alleys and clay homes until it reaches the source of the pure eye “Emine Tala”, while the weekly markets are still being established as if nothing has changed.
Between Tikkost and Amzmiz, there are many features and consistency: mountains, trees and villages, and tales awaiting those who hear them.
Ease of access
Collective taxis start towards the Orika and Lala Takkost, Takhdin and Mully, at prices not exceeding 50 dirhams ($ 5), all of which are mountainous areas in the province of Al -Haouz, not more than one hour away from the red city, and is classified as a rear gardens for it.
A private car can also be rented between 300 and 1000 dirhams (30 to 100 dollars) per day or organizing a journey through a local agency, especially for the slightly high destinations.
The road is well paved, although some mountain clips require caution while driving.
Inside the villages, transportation is often walking, using bicycles, or mules, leased locally.
Each region is close to the other, and it can be combined in two or three days, while it is advised to start the path from the nearest point and then graduate towards the highest.
Recommend overnight
Hospitality in these villages is part of the experiment, as it provides clean and equipped hospitality houses that start between 200 and 1000 dirhams (20 to 100 dollars) per night.
These houses often include a small yard or a balcony overlooking the mountains, in which a traditional breakfast is served.
Some floor allows for camping, and others provide traditional bathroom and a daily life experience. Reservation can be directly, through local intermediaries, or online.
In Emelle and Aurika, there are more diverse options, while the best and the best for those who want to are isolated and calm, where the overnight is not only for comfort, but to approach an unforgettable life.
The fun of taste
The table in the Al -Haouz region is part of a collective memory, in every house or café, cooking tagine on leisurely, and the fresh vegetables are just chopped. Seek tagine with goat or chicken with herbs, along with the couscous on Friday.
Prices range between 60 and 150 dirhams (6 to 15 dollars), depending on the components. And do not forget the tea with thyme or chili, which is served in small glass cups. The bread is often cooked in a traditional oven, and is eaten hot with olive oil or honey.
In some villages, a visitor can participate in preparing food, or taste local products such as cheese and butter.
Passion of gifts
You have to choose between a variety manually produced, such as mountain honey, thyme, argan oil, traditional hats and dom baskets, or municipal soap.
Prices often do not exceed 100 dirhams (10 dollars), and the more you love the region, the more your passion for its products.
These local village products are displayed along the road, and stores provide places for breaking over picturesque views.
In these highlands, woolen woven or copper tools and pottery made by local craftsmen may coincide with local craftsmen.
It does not cost a week for a week to these areas, but it gives you a rich experience in the bosom of nature, where cold, beauty, and simplicity.
Every day it carries a new story, and every village opens a path towards another village. As for the discovery of the high mountains, this is another story that we write later.